Back/pelvis/hip pain?

[Curious101]

A month or 2 ago, I got a new dog, he's bigger than my previous dog and he pulls on the lead. And I got stressed adapting to the change.

Somewhere soon after that I picked up a bug, and the PMR "buzzing" in my shoulders, arms and calves popped back. Not really painful but aware of "the bucket" I stopped tapering and upped the dose a bit and currently I barely have the "buzzing" at all.

About 3 weeks ago, I started getting pain in my back/pelvis/hip - not sure where to describe it, both sides, a couple of inches below my waist - and it's still bad. Worse on the right side (where I've damaged it before), so much so that I presumed I'd strained a muscle and went to the physio a couple of times. This hasn't helped. I got some prescription level cocodamol which helped with sleeping, but I think only because the codeine knocked me out. I've stopped that because I don't want any chance I might find myself addicted (I'm prone). I've had others to walk the dog for the last 10 days. The only thing that helps is heat - Deep Heat or a hot water bottle. I'm stiff, and the pain can be sharp if I cough, or move too quickly.

Sorry for three paragraphs before the question - could this be a PMR flare?

I'm on 11mg of Pred at the moment, yo-yo'ed a lot since my diagnosis last summer when I started on 15. If so, should I go back to 15 for a bit or something? I am at my wits end and miserable with it too! So glad to have this forum for input (and with you I know I'm not alone with this).

Thank you, Amanda

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This is usual advice for a flare - but think you may have a couple of things going on - but get the PMR under control with this - then you can look at back issues -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

whilst you wait for others to respond who have back issues maybe look at the related posts.. no see if any help…

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As someone with back issues - the PMR probably isn't helping but it sounds a lot more like an injury due to the dog pulling and twisting you when you were walking him. The physio won't help with pulled muscles healing, only time will do that, but they may still be tight and spasming causing the pain. I hate to tell you - but I've been fighting something similar for months and still not quite sure what is causing the pain at any stage! Except when it was inflammation in the sacroiliac joint but mine is mainly on the right.

Is it a localised pain or spread across the level that is painful?

[Curious101 in reply to PMRpro]

It's good to know it's not just me, but sorry for your pain! And thank you for the reminder that somethings take time, and more time.. My pain is more right than left. I've had issues with the SI joint (on the right) before, and whole-life protecting the left (hip dysplasia from birth/replacements etc) so it makes sense that the right is always first to go. "Tight and spasming" followed by generally painful because they got tight and spasming sounds about right. Even a cough makes it spasm unless I hold tight in the right area before coughing.. The very gentle stretches from the physio have eased the stiffness a bit. It's worst first thing ... I think. I forget so quickly!

I'll try patience for another week or two then perhaps... (plus a front-fastening lead/harness for Harvey)

Harvey

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Curious101]

Butter wouldn't melt would it!!

I find 800mg ibuprofen and sitting bolt upright well supported with pillows/cushions with a hotwater bottle over the sore bit makes a notable difference. Still takes a few days though. I have got to the "yesterday was fine so why does it hurt today?" stage. And sometimes the slightest twist reminds me ...

[SheffieldJane]

I wonder if a harness type leash would minimise the dog pulling your arm out of its socket? I have a puller of a dog before PMR, I don’t think I would have managed very well once I got PMR/ GCA/LVV. She was a rascal, but I miss her.

[Curious101 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I bet you miss her! I lost my last one in January and it was like living with a ghost - everywhere I went, she wasn't there.... I'm very glad to have Harvey, but it's a challenge with the PMR... Yes, I do have a harness, and now a front-fastening one (if that's what it's called... the lead fixes to the front ... haven't tried it yet as I only found out about it this morning). x

[Sophiestree in reply to Curious101]

you can get something called a Halti which works like a charm. I had one years ago with a 30kg dog I had who was far too keen. Only have small dogs now with my bones!!

[random901]

I went for a harness type with dog Arthur. It fastens halfway up his back. So much easier, and probably kinder to dog!

[pmr_nikola]

Besides taking care of your current injury I would recommend considering dog obedience classes. I am 75 and do have large dog (~60 lb). It is type of hunting dog (Weimaraner) very energetic and strong. Although I had dogs most of my life and I thought I knew how to handle them, I have learned a lot by going to dog training. Training is all about communication between owner and the dog. After training walks will be more pleasant for both you and your dog.

[Curious101 in reply to pmr_nikola]

This is a good recommendation - he's 9 years old and came from Dogs Trust. He will only be 11kg (Lakeland Terrier but currently overweight). Once I get over this hump of pain and fatigue I will plan it. I went to classes with my last dog, and I learnt a lot (not sure she did!).

[Curious101]

Update - and thanks:

I treated the pain as a flare, and hey presto, it went within 2-3 days. Saw my physio yesterday and taking all the pieces of the puzzle we think it was predominantly a PMR flare, either caused by or causing muscle pain too. Then on Saturday I had a COVID booster and last night the pain was back. I took my usual Pred dose early after tossing and turning for a couple of hours in the middle of the night, and this morning it's pretty much gone again.

So, I'm still learning about - and still frustrated by - PMR! And as always hugely appreciative of the support on here.

I'm using a front-fastening harness with harness and some firm techniques and the pulling is improving quickly too...